The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has taken a major step forward in its commitment to developing the next generation of professional sailors, announcing a new partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand.
The programme, long regarded as one of the strongest match racing and professional sailing pathways in the country, will now be known as the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme.
2025 Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup. Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die
For RNZYS Commodore David Blakey, the partnership lands at exactly the right time.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Emirates Team New Zealand as a major supporter of our Youth Training Programme, now proudly rebranded as the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme,” he said.
“Recognised as world-leading, the programme continues to nurture talented young sailors and open pathways into successful careers across the professional yachting world.”
This is not an Olympic pathway. It is something different, and that is exactly why it’s such a big deal.
The programme has built its reputation on developing sailors who want to pursue professional sailing careers, particularly in match racing and team environments. It has become a launchpad for those looking to step into high performance teams, international circuits, and ultimately the top tier of the sport.
That alignment with Emirates Team New Zealand is what makes this partnership so significant.
Grant Dalton. Emirates Team New Zealand. Friday 17 October 2025. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
“The pathway from grassroots to the pinnacle of our sport is critical, and the RNZYS Youth Training Programme has consistently delivered exceptional talent,” said Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton.
“We are proud to support the programme and invest in the future of New Zealand sailing by helping create opportunities for the next generation.”
For newly appointed Performance Sailing Coach Harry Thurston, the announcement is more than just a boost to the programme. It is something he has lived himself.
A graduate of the programme, Thurston went on to compete in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup and has spent time embedded with Emirates Team New Zealand. Now he returns to lead the next group coming through.
“This support not only strengthens the programme financially, but it also creates a meaningful connection between developing sailors and a team competing at the very highest level,” he said.
“It’s incredibly exciting, and another reason why it’s such a great time to be stepping into this role.”
There is also a sense of timing around it all.
With Thurston stepping in as coach and the programme approaching its 40th anniversary next year, the partnership signals a new phase. Stronger backing, closer ties to the top of the sport, and a clear direction for sailors who want to go down the professional route.
The Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme has always been about producing great sailors and great people. With this new support behind it, that legacy looks set to continue.
We’re proud to have our brand aligned with this programme.
2025 Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup. Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die